Did you know that you could bypass the normal paperwork and procedure for getting a student transfer in Wake County by appealing directly to the superintendent?
As noted in today's article, that's evidently what school board vice chairwoman Debra Goldman's family did to get their daughter transferred, with bus service provided. She's one of only 15 students in all of Wake County who are attending their current school based on an "administrative transfer" approved by the superintendent.
Michael Evans, Wake's chief communications officer, said that then-interim Superintendent Donna Hargens had approved in January a verbal request from the parent at Goldman's address in Cary to transfer to Davis Drive Middle School. (He worded it that way without saying Goldman's name due to privacy rules.)
Until then, Goldman's daughter had been a magnet student at Martin Middle School. Pulling out of Martin meant that she would normally have gone to her base school, which is West Cary Middle. That schooli is closer than Davis Drive.
Speaking for Hargens, Evans said there were "extenuating circumstances" for approving the transfer to Davis Drive and that it was within board policy, He cited privacy rules for not saying why it was approved.
The transfer was granted under Section B(5) of the transfer policy which says "the Superintendent or designee may administratively assign a student to any school in the system when the Superintendent or designee determines that such action is in the best interest of the student and schools affected, and that such action would not contravene the overall intent of the Board’s school assignment policies."
Unlike a normal transfer request, Evans said there's no paperwork that has to be filed.
Also unlike a regular transfer request, Evans said administrative transfers come with transportation.
Wake extended an existing bus route for Davis Drive that primarily serves the area right around the school. The bus stops directly in front of Goldman's house as the first stop in the morning. According to Google Maps, the stop is between 5.2 and 6.5 miles from the next stop.
Evans said that only one student is picked up at the stop at Goldman's address.
In addition, Evans confirmed that then Superintendent Del Burns had approved a request in January 2010 for a bus stop for Martin Middle in front of Goldman's address. It's 0.3 miles from one stop and 0.4 miles from another one on the route.
Evans said that 2010 request was also within board procedure.
In what could be a rare instance, both Allison Backhouse and Yevonne Brannon agreed on an issue. They said that approving Goldman's request looked fishy.
"One of the things that the public wants to feel is that everything is transparent," said Brannon, chairwoman of the Great Schools in Wake Coalition. "No matter what the circumstances, whether it’s boards meeting privately or board members making private requests for transfers, that’s not transparent."
Goldman did not return requests for comment Friday.
Comments
I was referring to everyone
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 21:01 — virginiadareI was referring to everyone involved in the lawsuit and getting the new board majority elected, not just this incident, which I see as an example of those motivations. I don't have much sympathy for Goldman, but I would not have made it public in this way, which could harm a child. It wouldn't be surprising at all if the child had been the victim of bullying or ridicule just because of who her mother is. I'm not sure that it would be my business. We just don't know, and aren't entitled to know, all the circumstances. And I'd feel the same way if it were you, even though I don't have any more sympathy for you than I do for Goldman.
Brannon has no children in the school system, doesn't work for the school system, isn't an elected official, and has no plans to run for office. What could she possibly have to gain? Her only motivation is the common good. You do have children in the system, which you sued for personal gain -- to have your child attend the school you preferred. It also appears from your posts here and other actions that you want personal revenge against those you feel have wronged you.
You think that WakeCares was
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 21:21 — jenmanYou think that WakeCares was selfish and that the people who worked to elect the new board are selfish, but Brannon isn't? What about her vindictiveness in trying to get our accreditation removed? How does anybody benefit from that? She and her group may benefit policially but everybody else loses.
The people who requested the
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:35 — virginiadareThe people who requested the investigation from AdvanEd were not being vindictive. They were concerned that the new board members were not governing appropriately and were harming the system. They weren't "trying to get our accreditation removed," but wanted AdvanEd to ensure that laws and policies were being followed by the board. They were not acting for personal gain or to benefit politically. If anything, it probably hurt them politically.
Oh Virgina, no one
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 07:56 — woodstockOh Virgina, no one is buying your silly argument? LOL!! You live in a fantasy world. "The people" you mention are the NAACP who, in 2001, exist only to advance race-based extreme left-wing politics. There is no doubt in any rational person's mind that they are being vindictive. The bloated clown who is the mouthpiece for the NC NAACP was pissed because he wasn't given a stage to spew his rabble rousing rhetoric.
No, she's lives in VD's world
Mon, 03/14/2011 - 11:50 — FSandYOUA world filled with flowers, dancing fairies and lies. It's truly pathetic.
If your senario is true,
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 08:09 — woodstockIf your senario is true, then why not tranfer from the magnet school in question where the bullying took place to the base school or the YR school option? Additionally, it would suggest that the magent school administration was unable handle a bullying situation which does not say much for them.
Also, the senario you describe could have been handled through nomral channels compete with paperwork and accountability.
"It wouldn't be surprising
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 02:28 — eddie2"It wouldn't be surprising at all if the child had been the victim of bullying or ridicule just because of who her mother is."
Considering the controversies surrounding the BoE this past year, that's a plausable reason for Goldman's request and Hargens' response. There are few if any other middle school students in Goldman's kid's situation, with a mother in the headlines taking abuse from the likes of NC Heat and the NAACP. It wouldn't be surprising for some middle school bullies to follow that example. And it wouldn't be surprising for Goldman's kid to scout out the other schools, to see which one would be least likely to have violent opposition to her mother's activities.
Does anyone here know for a fact that that was NOT the case?
Does anyone here think, if that was the case, it should have been on the front page of the N&O?
"I'm not vindictive"
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 20:32 — CaryCurmudgeon"I'm not vindictive"
ROFLMAO !!!
Based on a series of
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 21:01 — woodstockBased on a series of recent blogs, you seem obsessed with attacking Margiotta even through he supports what you claim to support; so what does that make you, collegial and cooperative? ROFLMAO!!!
Margiotta? What does this
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 21:57 — CaryCurmudgeonMargiotta? What does this have to do with him???? I am assuming he had nothing to do with this.
Dude, you brought it up,
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 08:14 — woodstockDude, you brought it up, please try to keep up... "vindictiveness."
Posting here for several
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 14:23 — willynillyPosting here for several years I, too, get surprised at some things from time to time. People seem to agree.....the mere appearance of inpropriety is enough to raise questions. Many here.....teachers, admin people, and others.......have posted that this type of thing goes on in the WCPSS as "busieness as usual." For example, a recent retirement from the WCPSS was facilitated by that retiree forcing someone out of her job in order to cover something up. However, since that retiree had "favor" he was "allowed" to retire with no real consequences. However, this is the same person who sat in judgement of scores of teachers for their own "alleged" unprofessional conduct.
Ignore, if you will, all of these posts from people who have had to endure this mess. You may think that the WCPSS is isolated in this, but this is an epidemic across the nation......just look at the proteacher dot net website to see that fact. Many here simply ignore and dismiss all of this and say....."Oh, poor teachers can't handle the job." Now Charters are getting support and teachers (as well as students) are leaving the public school system in droves. Have you looked and the number of catagories of students on the NCDPI report cards? While we ignore the realities of the public school system and arguing about what the WCPSS will and will not do the lines are being drawn clearly. Think about it and wake up:
Endeavor White (286) Black (NA) Hisp (NA) Mixed (7)
Exploris White (169) Black (9) Hisp (NA) Asian (6)
Franklin Academy White (542) Black (29) Hisp (11) Asian (13) Multi Rac (19)
Magellan White (353) Black (20) Hisp (9) Asian (10) Multi Rac (7)
(numbers are from demographic data on NCDPI report cards for EOG testing)
Teachers are treated like s--t in many cases in public schools. Recently a principal got called on the carpet for ignoring emails from a female teacher who had been repeatedly bitten and scratched by a special needs student (middle school). The area superintendent also got into trouble. The husband of the teacher went to the school to find out what would be done.....he, too, was ignored. So you want to know why people are leaving public schools? Well, the end result is (for 2010 anyway) that 4 of the biggest charter players above have a total of 58 black students (and much lower for other catagories) compared to around 1200 white students.
The internet gives us all a chance to voice our concern and some people who want to know what is really going on (Judge Manning) have even lent an ear to these issues. Students attacking and beating up a teacher only to come back and be put in the very same postion (a young female teacher and a middle school boy). It may not be YOUR school, but look at those numbers above. Maybe your children ARE in a good school. Hmmmm......you wonder why a school that does SO well (Davis Drive) on the science EOG can't get the same percentage of pass (for black students) as schools like KIPP Gaston, Spring Lake Middle Cumberland County yet get all the accolades and the other schools are ignored. I know KIPP is charter, but look how many black students they have.
I severed many of my
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 17:31 — HJ2ss2I severed many of my friendships within the system since both they and I knew their job might be in jeopardy if they supported or even associated with me. I still receive a clandestine "How are you doing?" from time to time from people with whom I worked. I recently heard that there are a large number of teachers looking for jobs elsewhere because "things have become much worse".
That does it, I am getting
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 17:46 — woodstockThat does it, I am getting my hip waders out of storage. Between you and the Curmudgeon dude, it is getting deep.
Honestly, I am not making
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 18:22 — HJ2ss2Honestly, I am not making this up. I have never worked anywhere like it! Staff are actually afraid to disagree with administration. It was all very weird, especially when they "frame" you. I was accused of things I wouldn't think of doing. I'm not from around here. I used to come home and tell my husband that there was something seriously wrong with these people. I saved emails, notes etc that support what I am saying. I nused to be "normal" before I started working there.
I must be missing something
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 18:41 — woodstockI must be missing something This is related the the subject at hand how? It seems every subject gets turned around to you and your perception of what happened in the past... to you. If you were screwed, get a lawyer and do something about it. Why does your personal situatiuon have to enter into every single conversation? (Are you catching on to the theme here?)
Right now the concern is a board member who has been called "unbalanced" even by her supporters and that may have very well abused her authority to get special favors.
You people kill me here.
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 07:07 — willynillyYou people kill me here. You roll around on this blog and you read the things that go on INSIDE this mess of a system and you ignore people who have tried to tell you how screwed up this mess REALLY is......hopefully was if things can even change. You all seem surprised at this! Why!? This is business as usual. Teachers have to endure working under principals in this county who are "favored" and do whatever they want. This board member gets something that resembles "favoritism" and you all seem so surprised.
No one seems to care that many of these people (in the WCPSS) get away with tearing apart peoples careers (and LIVES) and you get upset that someone got their child into a school, it APPEARS that something was not kosher and you loose your minds. An HR employee had to get an attorney to get her job back because she saw something happen in the HR offices that was not kosher (maybe an argument that was taking place in the HR offices between two people?)......she was forced out of her job......until an attorney got involved. She was SO lucky. I post here, as others, about the trappings of an elitist group of people in the WCPSS and someone challenges me to name the names and I do. Next thing you know my present school gets a call from "someone" trying to fish and see if I have disclosed everything about this s--t from Wake (which I had)......and Keung gets bashed into telling me NOT to name names. You don't think the WCPSS is trying to cover something up? Get Over Yourselves!!!!!! Try standing up for people who have been railroaded in this system if you want to do something for people that are working very hard to help your children. Notwithstanding that effort.....Wake County parents have exactly what they deserve!!!!
I like rolling around
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 19:49 — FSandYOUI've "rolled around on this blog" listening to your story with some of the background for months and I still have no idea what happened or what you hope to accomplish. If you got canned in a wrong way, as it sounds, then YOU need to go after them. If you're past that point then YOU need to find other ways to resolve your conflict. What the heck do you think bloggers are going to be able to do for you in your situation? "Rolling around on a blog" isn't going to accomplish squat for any of us, but especially you with the ax you're trying to grind. Most of us are too busy fighting for our kids and trying to keep some sense of normalcy in our lives through it all. We're too damn busy at the moment wondering if Debra Goldman is going to support the next assignment plan put in front of her and what that will mean for us. Don't get me wrong, this stuff you say happened to you, I have no doubt it did, and that sucks, but what are we supposed to do? I wish you the best, but I think you need a lawyer or maybe Tom Cruise because you'll have better luck with their help than you'll get from a few blog rollers.
I understand your concern
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 21:08 — HJ2ss2I understand your concern for your children. I'm relieved that mine have moved on. As a parent, I would not want to be dealing with instability and political conflict that seems to be taking precedence over the purpose of a school system, that of educating our children. I certainly expect nothing from parents on this blog, I can't speak for him/her but don't think Willy does either. Right now the focus is on Debra Goldman. If you look at the big picture, her situation is just a small part of the problem. I hope things will change with the new superintendent, but in the past decisions were not made in the best interest of the students or their families. All of this was covered up by an administration that was punitive toward anyone who questioned the status quo. Anyone who would take a stand in support of students and their parents were warned ("Why can't you do what you're told".) If one didn't heed the warning, they were bullied into (in my case) resigning. Once this occurs no one will answer your questions and other employees might be uncomfortable talking with you for the same reason they avoided you when you were targeted.
Consider the above information, not about me, but what it says about the system and why it is in so much trouble. I think the issue surrounding Debra Goldman is only a symptom of a much larger problem. Her issue is nothing compared to other cover ups in the administration.
I was responding to Willy's
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 19:29 — HJ2ss2I was responding to Willy's post about what goes on in the system. I'm not sure you really get it. Either that or just my loose associations.
Anyway, it gave you something to complain about.
And here I thought I needed
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 12:59 — woodstockAnd here I thought I needed to go to Lowe's to get my fertilizer.
You don't seem to have any
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 17:05 — CaryCurmudgeonYou don't seem to have any shortage of fertilizer as best I can tell.
LOL... whatever.
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 17:25 — woodstockLOL... whatever.
Dance?
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 11:34 — Jeff_morseFrom What I hear she wanted her Daughter to be in a Dance class....
I thought Goldman said we
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 07:39 — kbrooks500I thought Goldman said we couldn't possibly adjust the bell schedules because kids would miss their 4pm dance classes. Yet her own daughter takes one at public expense. Personally, if programs have to be cut, dance would be the first on my list though I doubt it would result in much savings for the district.
Well, isn't that
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 12:00 — woodstockWell, isn't that "special."
Maybe Goldman is unaware of the many dances classes available throughout the country that don't require abusing her powers. Admittedly, however, I doubt they come with publicly funded door-to-door transportation service.
Abusing her powers
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 12:46 — Solon77You have no proof of abuse of powers. She made a request through a policy that is open to all of us and other families have been granted this dispensation. If there are claims of inconsistent application of the policy - then ask Burns and Hargens.
Right, .... are you paying
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 13:06 — woodstockRight, .... are you paying attention at all? Tell me how successful a parent would be in having a private one-on-one with the Superitendent and getting a transfer -- with no paperwork or approvals -- to a non-base, non-magnet, non-YR option school with door-to-door transportation.
Burns?
Abuse of Power
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 14:55 — Solon77Ask the other 14 ? Why didn't Backhouse ask for information on all the others ?
Abuse of Power also requires the individual has control over another. Goldman does not have control to hire, fire, deny promotion........ect. over anyone in the school administration and therefore there is no power to abuse.
Unless there is proof that Hargens was inconsistent in granting Goldman's request, all this is just a cat fight Backhouse is starting because she is not getting her way. From what I understand this is pretty typical Backhouse.
What's "Backhouse?" What are
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:09 — woodstockWhat's "Backhouse?" What are referring to? I am talking about Keung's blog about Goldmam and how she was able to use her position on the board to get a special school asignement for her child and door-to-door transportation.
really? check your facts
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:37 — AngelaWhttp://www.wcpss.net/policy-files/series/policies/2010-bp.html
Did you actually read the policy ?
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 21:02 — Solon77Did you actually read the policy ? The board cannot initiate any action - it has to come from the superintendent. When the board does engage in a hearing - there are at least 3 board members on the panel.
The separation of powers and the checks and balances guard against what you and others are accusing Goldman of.
With all these "checks and
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 09:05 — woodstockWith all these "checks and balances" you speak of, it makes one wonder why none were in place to deal with the situation in question. It was simplly a secret closed-door deal made between one board member and an interim Superindendent with absolutely no paperwork, accountablity, or approvals.
Except in my case.
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 17:38 — HJ2ss2Except in my case.
...
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:06 — SideburnsI didn't know there were 14 others. In fact, the response to my public information request never referenced Policy 6203 B-5. Nor did it include many of the details that Keung wrote about.
Not sure why you would think this is a catfight. Not getting my way? What are you talking about?
Can we find out if the other
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:47 — klanders65Can we find out if the other 14 were "connected" people or were there actual issues and reasons for granting this?
I'm curious about the same
Sun, 03/13/2011 - 21:40 — jenmanI'm curious about the same thing. We've heard rumors of certain people getting into Wake magnet schools before and it reminds me of the 'list' that Arne Duncan kept in Chicago of people who miraculously got into magnet schools there. This kind of favoritism goes on everywhere and it surely happens here too.
It would be very interesting to see who the other 14 families are (or whether or not they were connected), but we never will.
Well...
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 14:43 — Bob_SconceBurns had his head so far up his own bahookey that he wouldn't recognize sunlight. That's hardly a fair comparison.
There are at least 14 other parents who have been succcessful. We don't know the avenue Goldman took.
It seems to me that the only way this is going to be resolved without invading the family's privacy is if, for example, Kevin Hill were to publicly say "I've talked with Debra about the circumstances and I beliieve that the transfer was approrpiate. But, I'm not saying anything more for privacy reasons." But, that won't convince everybody.
You won't say anymore for
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:14 — woodstockYou won't say anymore for "privacy reasons?" What does that mean? Are you a WCPSS employee held to privacy standards? Or, do you mean you know the dirty details and are trying deperately to protect Goldman?
Kevin Hill? What the hell does he have to do with this?
Read it again...
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:31 — Bob_SconceI was quoting what Hill should say. I don't know anything personally.
My point was that since it's inappropriate for all the facts to be made public, that the best approach would be for a credible, independent person, with no dog in the hunt, to look into the facts. Hill may not be the best person. Tata, perhaps, but then the same accusation would be made against him.
I see. Sorry. I doubt Tata
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:41 — woodstockI see. Sorry. I doubt Tata is the right person and Hill certainly isn't. However, this whole situation examplifies why backdoor deals with no paperwork, approvals or accountablity is bad policy... very bad policy. I am sure this will be discovered, but even if Hargens did orchestrate this at Goldman's demand, I will bet that normal policies and procedures should have been exhausted before that could happen... and it does not appear that is the case or there would be some evidence of it.
easy there.....Bob was
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 15:23 — AngelaWeasy there.....Bob was saying that if someone, perhaps Hill were to say "...I spoke to Goldman and for privacy reasons, cannot comment any more".....
Not Hill
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 14:57 — Solon77Hill lacks credibility. I would suggest Tata - end of story.
Heh...
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 12:50 — Bob_SconceI knew that you and I would eventually agree on something.
...
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 11:53 — SideburnsThere are many dance class electives at Martin Middle magnet.
And some at West Cary Middle
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 12:09 — allkidsfirstAnd some at West Cary Middle as well, according to their website.
Power has its Perks!
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 11:14 — stansburyIsn't Davis Drive MS overcrowded? Isn't it one of the best public MS in Wake County? How many of you think you could get your child into a non-base, high performing, over crowded school complete with transportation?? Must be nice to have such powers. Meanwhile the rest of us are bused over the county for diversity, and can't transfer out of our low performing elementary and middle schools. We're were denied Magnet Schools but looks like all DG has to do is pick up the phone! No paperwork, no appeals, etc. Sweet! And she's the one who want to set assignment policies for the rest of us suckers? She obviously doesn't have to abide by any of these rules, so I don't think I'll be looking for any parent favorable assignment policies from her.
So....
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 10:46 — Bob_SconceI agree that it looks fishy. But, there are privacy concerns for a reason -- we don't know what's going on, and I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt that there are extenuating circumstances. It's really unfair to her daughter for this to be a public issue.
Right on
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 19:06 — shank56You've nailed it. This is unfair to the daughter...hope she hasn't been bullied as much as her mom has been attacked on this website. I don't know any of the players , but some of you appear to have an axe to grind that goes way over the top.
How is is unfair? Please
Sat, 03/12/2011 - 11:07 — woodstockHow is it unfair? Please explain. Are we suppose to ingore an abuse of power? Has Goldman earned our benefit of the doubt? If the situation could be easily explained, why is she in hiding and unwilling to comment on the matter?